01 -
Okay, so this is where I usually get a little impatient, but trust me, it’s worth it. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your boneless, skinless chicken thighs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're golden brown. You're not cooking them through, just building flavor. The kitchen smells amazing already, right?
02 -
While the chicken is doing its thing, grab a medium bowl. Whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure it's all smooth; you don't want any lumpy bits of soup later. I always give it a good sniff at this point, checking if it needs a little more herb magic. This simple Crock Pot chicken sauce is where all the flavor lives!
03 -
Carefully transfer your beautifully seared chicken thighs to the slow cooker. Don't crowd them too much if you can help it. Then, pour that creamy, aromatic sauce evenly over the chicken. It should mostly cover the chicken, creating a cozy little bath for it to simmer in. This is where the magic really starts to happen!
04 -
Pop the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours. I usually go with low if I'm prepping in the morning before work; it just makes the chicken extra tender. Resist the urge to peek too often, I know it's hard! Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes, and it takes longer to cook this *easy Crock Pot chicken*.
05 -
Once the cooking time is up, the chicken should be incredibly tender and fall apart easily. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Grab two forks and shred the chicken. It should be so soft, it practically shreds itself! Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. This makes sure every piece is coated in that deliciousness.
06 -
Give the sauce a final taste test and adjust any seasonings if needed. Sometimes I'll add a tiny bit more pepper or a fresh sprinkle of parsley if I have it. Serve your glorious *easy Crock Pot chicken* hot over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. It’s comforting, it’s easy, and honestly, it’s just so darn good!